Tag: Tre Mann

Recap: Thunder starters help OKC Blue collect 128-113 win over Birmingham Squadron

Recap: Thunder starters help OKC Blue collect 128-113 win over Birmingham Squadron.

The G League’s OKC Blue featured a heavy-hitting lineup in its 128-113 win over the Birmingham Squadron on Tuesday. The home win improves the Blue’s record to 6-4.

All five Blue starters were players from the Oklahoma City Thunder’s roster. As the Thunder prepare to travel to play the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Dec. 6, Mark Daigneault confirmed they’ll be called back up for that game.

Before that though, the Thunder players enjoyed an easy win against the Squadron for the second consecutive time.

The Blue held a 33-19 lead following the first quarter. By halftime, the OKC lead was 63-40. The Squadron’s 40-point third quarter helped cut the deficit, but they still trailed by 12 points entering the final frame.

The Blue shot 56% from the field and were a hot 15-of-36 (41.7%) from 3. OKC dished 27 assists on its 49 buckets.

The Squadron were limited to 42% shooting from the field and went 17-of-43 (39.5%) from 3.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Tre Mann: 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals
  • Ousmane Dieng: 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, five rebounds, two assists
  • Lindy Waters III: 26 points on 6-of-14 shooting, 6-of-12 from 3, three rebounds, three assists, five steals
  • Keyontae Johnson: 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, 2-of-3 from 3, four rebounds, two assists
  • Olivier Sarr: 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks
  • Hunter Maldonado: 16 points on 5-of-5 shooting, 11 assists
  • Jalen Crutcher: 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting, 5-of-11 from 3, nine assists, three rebounds
  • Malcolm Hill: 30 points on 9-of-21 shooting, 5-of-11 from 3, 12 rebounds, four assists, four steals

The full highlights from the Blue’s 15-point win over the New Orleans Pelicans’ G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Tre Mann assigned to G League’s OKC Blue

The Oklahoma City Thunder have assigned Tre Mann to the G League’s OKC Blue.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Tuesday that they had assigned third-year guard Tre Mann to the G League’s OKC Blue.

The 22-year-old has seldom received playing time with OKC this season, essentially being outside of the team’s rotation. In six games, he’s averaged four points on 55.6% shooting and two rebounds.

The Blue are scheduled to play several home games this week, which gives Mann a chance to suit up and play multiple G League games if the Thunder decide to go this route.

Mann was drafted No. 18 in the 2021 NBA draft. In three seasons, he’s averaged 8.8 points on 39.6% shooting, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

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Damian Lillard praises Tre Mann, compares him to Anfernee Simons

Damian Lillard praises Tre Mann, compares him to Anfernee Simons.

One of the downsides of drafting well in a rebuild is having to pull the plug on young prospects sooner than anticipated. That’s been the case with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Tre Mann.

After being drafted No. 18 in the 2021 NBA draft, Mann’s been phased out of OKC’s rotation in his third season due to an abundant amount of talent added since then.

In his first two seasons, Mann averaged nine points on 39.3% shooting and 2.6 rebounds. He’s shot 33.8% from 3 on 4.2 attempts. This season, he’s tallied just 47 total minutes in six appearances.

Mann’s fall from the Thunder’s rotation speaks more about his teammates than it does him. The third-year guard has shown flashes of being a potent scorer, but the opportunities to develop simply aren’t there like they were his first two years.

It appears a divorce is inevitable between both parties, but that doesn’t mean Mann’s career is a lost cause. According to Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, he still believes the 22-year-old can turn it around in a new setting.

“I don’t know if it’s gonna be in Oklahoma City but wherever he’s at, Tre Mann is nice,” Lillard said in a recent podcast appearance. “When he get an opportunity somewhere, I’m telling you… He reminds me like on how he do stuff and what he’s capable of, it reminds me of how (Anfernee Simons) is. Like the same thing I saw in Ant, is how I saw him.”

The endorsement meant a lot to Mann as he reshared the quote on his Instagram story. Every rebuild has a few players who get away from a team, perhaps Mann can be that for OKC if/when he joins a new team.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article mentioned Anthony Edwards as the player Lillard referred to. It was not him. Instead, it was Lillard’s former teammate Anfernee Simons, who’s with the Portland Trail Blazers.

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OKC Thunder recall Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann from G League’s Blue

OKC Thunder recall Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann from G League’s Blue.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Tuesday that they have recalled the trio of Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski and Tre Mann from the G League’s OKC Blue.

With the Blue’s next game not happening until Friday, the trio had a chance to practice with the Thunder’s G League affiliate prior to being recalled for OKC’s home game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

Dieng was assigned to the Blue on Nov. 13 and played in three games for them during his week stay. In his three G League games, he’s averaged 16 points and 7.7 rebounds. Meanwhile, Pokusevski and Mann were assigned to the Blue on Tuesday morning and were quickly recalled.

Of the three, Dieng’s been the most consistent mainstay in OKC’s rotation when he’s been with the team. In 10 games, he’s averaged 11.3 minutes.

Meanwhile, Pokusevski and Mann have been on the outside looking in. The duo have each appeared in just five games and have averaged less than nine minutes.

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OKC Thunder assign Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann to G League’s OKC Blue

The Thunder assigned both Aleksej Pokuesevski and Tre Mann to the OKC Blue.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Tuesday they had assigned Aleksej Pokusevski and Tre Mann to the G League’s OKC Blue.

This gives both players, who’ve received little playing time thus far with the Thunder, a chance to practice with the Blue and perhaps even play for them. Their next game is Friday, Nov. 24.

In five games this season, Pokusevski has averaged 1.2 points and 1.4 rebounds. In five games this season, Mann has averaged 4.8 points and 2.2 rebounds.

Both players have been on the outside looking in with OKC’s rotation thus far. With Pokusevski in his fourth season and Mann in his third season, their future with the Thunder likely isn’t for long.

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OKC Thunder recall Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann from G League’s OKC Blue

The Thunder recalled a trio of players from the OKC Blue the same day they were sent for assignment.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Sunday they had recalled Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski and Tre Mann from the G League’s OKC Blue.

The trio’s assignment lasted only a few hours, giving them a chance to practice with the Blue, who scrimmaged five-on-five during Sunday’s practice.

The Blue are conducting their training camp ahead of their 2023-24 season, which starts Nov. 10.

The trio has had a hard time getting consistent playing time this season. Dieng has averaged 13.3 minutes in six games. Poksevski has averaged six minutes in three games and Mann has averaged four minutes in three games.

At the moment, Dieng is the only one who has received somewhat consistent playing time. The franchise has more invested in him than the other two because he was a 2022 lottery pick. Pokusevski and Mann have been outside of OKC’s rotation.

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OKC Thunder assign Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann to G League’s OKC Blue

The Thunder assigned a trio of players to the G League.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Sunday they had assigned Ousmane Dieng, Aleksej Pokusevski and Tre Mann to the G League’s OKC Blue.

The trio has had a hard time getting consistent playing time this season. Dieng has averaged 13.3 minutes in six games. Poksevski has averaged six minutes in three games, and Mann has averaged four minutes in three games.

The Blue are conducting training camp ahead of their 2023-24 season, which starts Nov. 10. Odds are these assignments are to allow all three players to get extended practice time and reps.

At the moment, Dieng is the only one who has received somewhat consistent playing time. The franchise has more invested in him than the other two because he was a 2022 lottery pick. Pokusevski and Mann have been outside of OKC’s rotation.

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Player grades: Thunder lose home opener to Nuggets, 128-95

Player grades for the Thunder’s 128-95 loss to the Nuggets in their home opener:

OKLAHOMA CITY — Attempting a 3-pointer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shot ricocheted off the rim and briefly landed on the top of the basket before unceremoniously trickling down.

It was that type of night for the All-NBA guard as the Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a 128-95 blowout loss to the reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets.

“Credit them, it’s impressive how sharp — not even this game, the other two games watching them — how sharp they’ve been this early in the season coming off of a championship and a late run,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said about the Nuggets. “It’s got to be hard to gear it back up the way they are. They picked up right where they left off.”

After two impressive road wins to start their season, the Nuggets quickly reminded the Thunder that they’re still a ways away from being considered in the same tier as them — which is perfectly fine for one of the youngest teams in the league despite a hot 2-0 start.

After a back-and-forth opening minutes, the Nuggets created distance on the scoreboard against OKC as they led 34-23 following the first quarter. The deficit only grew as Denver entered halftime with a 69-51 lead.

In the third quarter, the Thunder uncharacteristically couldn’t exit the break playing better. Instead, the Nuggets added to their lead and entered the final frame with a 22-point lead.

The Thunder lost this game in the shooting department. OKC shot an ugly 41% from the field and 6-of-32 (18.8%) from 3. Meanwhile, the Nuggets generated easy shot after easy shot as they went an impressive 60.2% from the field and 11-of-27 (40.7%) from 3.

Struggling against Denver’s size, the Thunder were outrebounded by a 48-29 margin. OKC was also outscored in the paint, 72-58.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. The two-time MVP — like he usually does — got whatever he wanted against OKC and played within the flow of Denver’s offense.

Jokic’s supporting cast in Michael Porter Jr. — who had 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting — and Jamal Murray — who had 19 points and eight assists — also helped the Nuggets get the easy blowout win.

“What made them hard to attack tonight is they kinda moved it first,” Daigneault said about the Nuggets’ offensive outing. “Jokic was getting it in kinda the middle of the possession and it made it a lot harder for us to kinda recognize rather than if they came down and just jam the ball to him.”

For the Thunder, this is an easy game to burn the tapes of. The good news is that this only counts for one of 82 games. Heading into the season, most would’ve taken a 2-1 start by OKC looking at the schedule.

“It’s good to get these early in the year,” Jalen Williams said about the loss. “Especially (since) they just won a championship. To kinda match up against them early and figure out where we are is kinda like a blessing in disguise.”

The Thunder will get a chance to quickly wash away the taste of this blowout loss when they welcome in the Detroit Pistons for the second night of this home back-to-back on Monday.

Let’s look at Thunder player grades.

OKC Thunder exercise 2024-25 options for 5 players

The Thunder exercised 2024-25 options for 5 players in Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams and Tre Mann.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced on Saturday they had picked up the 2024-25 contract options for several players.

The Thunder picked up the third-year options of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Ousmane Dieng and the fourth-year options of Josh Giddey and Tre Mann.

Holmgren will make $10.9 million followed by Giddey ($8.4), Dieng ($5), Williams ($4.8) and Mann ($4.9).

This news shouldn’t be too shocking. In most cases, teams pick up the team options of a first-round pick’s contract. It’s safe to assume Holmgren, Giddey, Williams and Dieng will be on the Thunder. Mann, on the other hand, is on the roster bubble and could be someone the team moves on from prior to the start of the regular season.

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Player grades: Comeback attempt falls short in Thunder’s 117-115 preseason loss to Hornets

Player grades for the Thunder’s 117-115 preseason loss to the Hornets on Sunday:

Trailing in transition, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl caught the ball from Aaron Wiggins and had a chance to hit a layup to send Sunday’s preseason game into overtime.

Instead, the ball failed to go through the hoop and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s comeback attempt fell short in their 117-115 preseason loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

“Obviously we came up a little short, but I thought we came with it tonight,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault on their effort.

Preparing to play on a sleepy Sunday afternoon, the shorthanded Thunder used their third preseason matchup to rest their starters and several key players.

Prior to the game, the Thunder elected to rest Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe. Kenrich Williams (back spasms) and Aleksej Pokusevski (ankle sprain) were also ruled out.

The long list of injuries grew during the game as the Thunder ruled Cason Wallace — who started and had five points in eight minutes — out with a toe sprain in the second quarter.

With arguably their top-nine players out for most of the night, the Thunder used their loss to the Hornets as a chance to allow their depth players to play a heavy dosage of minutes.

Even without their starters, the Thunder offense didn’t miss a beat, scoring 115 points on 42-of-91 (46.2%) shooting. The ball movement was crisp as active off-ball movement and cuts helped OKC generate 30 assists on its 42 field goals.

“Offense was really good,” Daigneault said. “I thought we generated great rhythm. Worked together. Got our cutting in. Moved the ball side to side.”

For a third consecutive preseason game though, the defense continued to show leakages.

The Hornets scored 117 points on 46-of-88 (52.3%) shooting in their two-point win. Charlotte utilized 69-point middle quarters to help it enter the final frame with an 11-point lead. Without Holmgren, the Hornets scored 62 points inside of the paint.

The Thunder made it interesting in the fourth quarter, cutting the Hornets’ lead to as little as one point against Charlotte’s reserves. OKC had a pair of layup attempts in the final seven seconds that missed, which would’ve either given it a one-point lead or tied it and forced OT.

The Hornets were led by P.J. Washington, who’s grown a reputation for turning into Steph Curry when facing OKC. During an essential must-win game for the Thunder late last March in the midst of their Play-In push, he scored 43 points and played spoiler in the upset.

In a much less pressure-filled environment tonight, Washington had 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting and 5-of-8 shooting from 3 in 24 minutes. The Hornets elected to treat this game as a regular-season matchup with their starters playing 20-plus minutes.

LaMelo Ball had 16 points, six assists and six rebounds in 24 minutes. Terry Rozier finished with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting and six assists in 26 minutes. 2023 No. 3 pick rookie Brandon Miller had eight points and seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Thunder were led by Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins in this exhibition. Williams received his first start of preseason and played the point center role. Wiggins — who is from North Carolina — had several fancy finishes around the rim for 16 points.

Let’s look at Thunder player grades.